NYC woman missing in Turkey

BEYOGLU, Turkey, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The family of a New York City woman who disappeared in Turkey is heading to the country to assist in the search for her, officials said.

Sarai Sierra, 33, was supposed to return to the United States on Jan. 22, but she never showed up for her flight home, ABC News reported.

"It was her first time outside of the United States, and every day while she was there she pretty much kept in contact with us, letting us know what she was up to, where she was going, whether it be through texting or whether it be through video chat, she was touching base with us," said Steven Sierra, Sarai's husband.

Steven Sierra said when his wife did not arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey he called United Airlines and was told his wife had never boarded the flight home.

An investigation in Turkey found that Sarai Sierra left her passport, clothes, phone chargers and medical cards in her room at a hostel in Beyoglu, Turkey, Steven Sierra said.

"They've been keeping us posted, from my understanding they've been looking into hospitals and sending out word to police stations over there," Steven Sierra said. "Maybe she's, you know, locked up, so they are doing what they can."

Steven Sierra, and Sarai's brother, David Jimenez, headed to Turkey Monday to assist in the investigation.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.